U.S. patent application number 13/574567 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for improving activity of corn gluten meal as an herbicide using dry acid treatment.
This patent application is currently assigned to Iowa State University Research Foundation Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Nick E. Christians, Renate Hippen. Invention is credited to Nick E. Christians, Renate Hippen.
Application Number | 20130130897 13/574567 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46604077 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130130897 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Christians; Nick E. ; et
al. |
May 23, 2013 |
IMPROVING ACTIVITY OF CORN GLUTEN MEAL AS AN HERBICIDE USING DRY
ACID TREATMENT
Abstract
A composition comprises a substantially dry mixture of
substantially dry corn gluten meal and substantially dry solid
acid, wherein the amount of the substantially dry solid acid is
effective to enhance the pre-emergence herbicidal activity of the
substantially dry corn gluten meal. A method for selectively
inhibiting the growth of undesirable plants comprises prior to the
emergence of the undesirable plants, applying a substantially dry
corn gluten meal and a substantially dry solid acid to a plot of
soil so that the amount of the substantially dry solid acid applied
to the plot of soil is effective to enhance the pre-emergence
herbicidal activity of the substantially dry corn gluten meal,
wherein the substantially dry corn gluten meal and the
substantially dry solid acid are applied in an amount effective to
inhibit the growth of the undesirable plants.
Inventors: |
Christians; Nick E.;
(Nevada, IA) ; Hippen; Renate; (Ames, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Christians; Nick E.
Hippen; Renate |
Nevada
Ames |
IA
IA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Iowa State University Research
Foundation Inc.
Ames
IA
|
Family ID: |
46604077 |
Appl. No.: |
13/574567 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
July 19, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US12/47452 |
371 Date: |
February 6, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61515476 |
Aug 5, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
504/116.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01N 65/08 20130101;
A01N 65/00 20130101; A01N 65/00 20130101; A01N 65/44 20130101; A01N
65/00 20130101; A01N 65/44 20130101; A01N 25/12 20130101; A01N
43/08 20130101; A01N 59/02 20130101; A01N 37/36 20130101; A01N
43/08 20130101; A01N 25/12 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101; A01N
2300/00 20130101; A01N 59/02 20130101; A01N 65/44 20130101; A01N
37/44 20130101; A01N 37/36 20130101; A01N 37/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
504/116.1 |
International
Class: |
A01N 65/08 20060101
A01N065/08; A01N 65/44 20090101 A01N065/44 |
Claims
1. A composition comprising a substantially dry mixture of:
substantially dry corn gluten meal; and substantially dry solid
acid; wherein the amount of the substantially dry solid acid is
effective to enhance the pre-emergence herbicidal activity of the
substantially dry corn gluten meal.
2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the substantially dry solid
acid has a weight of from about 0.01% to about 1% of the weight of
the substantially dry corn gluten meal.
3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the substantially
dry solid acid comprises at least one of citric acid,
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, L-ascorbic acid, or ammonium
sulfate.
4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the corn gluten
meal comprises from about 50% protein to about 80% protein on a dry
basis.
5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the substantially
dry solid acid is citric acid having a weight of from about 0.01%
to about 0.5% of a weight of the substantially dry corn gluten
meal.
6. The composition according to claim 5, wherein the substantially
dry citric acid comprises at least one of citric acid monohydrate
or anhydrous citric acid.
7. A method comprising mixing a substantially dry corn gluten meal
with a substantially dry solid acid to form a substantially dry
mixture, wherein the amount of the substantially dry solid acid in
the substantially dry mixture is effective to enhance the
pre-emergence herbicidal activity of the :substantially dry corn
gluten meal.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the substantially dry solid acid
has a weight of from about 0.01% to about 1% of a weight of the
substantially dry corn gluten meal.
9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising grinding the
corn gluten meal and the dry acid so that each have an average
particle size of less than about 3 mm.
10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the substantially dry
solid acid comprises at least one of citric acid,
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, L-ascorbic acid, or ammonium
sulfate.
11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the corn gluten meal
comprises from about 50% protein to about 80% protein on a dry
basis.
12. The method according to claim 7, further comprising applying
the substantially dry mixture to a plot of soil prior to emergence
of undesirable plants in an amount of the mixture effective to
inhibit growth of the undesirable plants.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the substantially dry
mixture is applied to the plot of soil after transplanting
desirable plants into the plot of soil.
14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the amount of the
substantially dry mixture that is added to the plot of soil is from
about 5 pounds to about 40 pounds per 1000 square feet.
15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the amount of the
substantially dry mixture that is added to the plot of soil is
about 15 pounds per 1000 square feet of the soil.
16. A kit comprising separately packaged: a substantially dry corn
gluten meal; a substantially dry solid acid; and instructions for
applying the substantially dry corn gluten meal and the
substantially dry acid to a plot of soil so that the amount of the
substantially dry solid acid applied to the plot of soil is
effective to enhance the pre-emergence herbicidal activity of the
substantially dry corn gluten meal.
17. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the substantially dry
corn gluten meal has a predetermined weight and the substantially
dry solid acid has a predetermined weight, wherein the
predetermined weight of the substantially dry corn gluten meal and
the predetermined weight of the substantially dry acid are selected
so a mixture of the predetermined weight of the substantially dry
solid acid to the predetermined weight of the substantially dry
corn gluten meal is effective to enhance the pre-emergence
herbicidal activity of the substantially dry corn gluten meal.
18. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the instructions further
comprise an instruction to apply the substantially dry corn gluten
meal and the substantially dry solid acid to the plot of soil so
that the substantially dry solid acid applied to the plot of soil
has a weight of from about 0.01% to about 1 .degree. A of a weight
of the corn gluten meal applied to the plot of soil.
19. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the instructions further
comprise an instruction to mix the substantially dry corn gluten
meal with the substantially dry solid acid to form a substantially
dry mixture so that the amount of the substantially dry solid acid
in the mixture is effective to enhance the pre-emergence herbicidal
activity of the substantially dry corn gluten meal.
20. The kit according to claim 19, wherein the instruction to mix
the substantially dry corn gluten meal with the substantially dry
solid acid comprises an instruction to form the substantially dry
mixture so that the substantially dry solid acid has a weight from
about 0.01% to about 1% of a weight of the corn gluten meal.
21. The kit according to claim 19, wherein the instructions to mix
the substantially dry corn gluten meal with the substantially dry
solid acid instruct mixing the substantially dry corn gluten meal
with the substantially dry solid acid before applying the
substantially dry corn gluten meal and the substantially dry solid
acid to the plot of soil.
22. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the instructions
comprise an instruction to apply the substantially dry corn gluten
meal to the plot of soil separately from applying the substantially
dry solid acid to the plot of soil.
23. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the instructions
comprise an instruction to apply a combined amount of the
substantially dry corn gluten meal and the substantially dry solid
acid of from about 5 pounds to about 40 pounds per 1000 square feet
of the soil.
24. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the substantially dry
solid acid comprises at least one of citric acid,
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, L-ascorbic acid, or ammonium
sulfate.
25. The kit according to claim 16, wherein the corn gluten meal
comprises from about 50% protein to about 80% protein on a dry
basis.
26. A method for selectively inhibiting the growth of undesirable
plants, the method comprising, prior to the emergence of the
undesirable plants in a plot of soil, applying a substantially dry
corn gluten meal and a substantially dry solid acid to the plot of
soil so that the amount of the substantially dry solid acid applied
to the plot of soil is effective to enhance the pre-emergence
herbicidal activity of the substantially dry corn gluten meal,
wherein the substantially dry corn gluten meal and the
substantially dry acid are applied in an amount effective to
inhibit the growth of the undesirable plants.
27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the substantially dry
solid acid applied to the plot of soil has a weight of from about
0.01% to about 1% of a weight of the corn gluten meal.
28. The method according to claim 26, wherein the substantially dry
corn gluten meal and the substantially dry solid acid are applied
in an amount effective to inhibit root development of the
undesirable plants.
29. The method according to claim 26, wherein the plot of soil
comprises one or more desirable plants.
30. The method according to claim 26, further comprising
transplanting one or more desirable plants into the plot of the
soil.
31. The method according to claim 26, further comprising, prior to
applying the substantially dry corn gluten meal and the
substantially dry solid acid to the plot of soil, mixing the
substantially dry corn gluten meal with the substantially dry solid
acid to form a substantially dry mixture so that the amount of the
substantially dry solid acid in the mixture is effective to enhance
the pre-emergence herbicidal activity of the substantially dry corn
gluten meal.
32. The method according to claim 26, wherein the substantially dry
corn gluten meal and the substantially dry solid acid are applied
separately to the plot of soil.
33. The method according to claim 26, wherein the substantially dry
corn gluten meal and the substantially dry solid acid are applied
substantially concurrently to the plot of soil.
34. The method according to claim 26, wherein the combined amount
of the substantially dry corn gluten meal and the substantially dry
solid acid applied to the plot of soil is from about 5 pounds to
about 40 pounds per 1000 square feet of soil.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/515,476, entitled
"IMPROVING ACTIVITY OF CORN GLUTEN MEAL AS AN HERBICIDE USING DRY
ACID TREATMENT," filed on Aug. 5, 2011, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a corn gluten meal
having enhanced herbicidal properties, and in particular to a
composition comprising a substantially dry corn gluten meal and a
substantially dry acid that provides for improved activity as an
herbicide compared to corn gluten meal alone. The present
disclosure also relates to a method of forming the composition.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The growing concern for the environment and the rising
popularity of naturally grown or "organic" crops has led to an
increased need for natural weed control. In many farming
operations, weeds are a serious problem. A growing demand for
natural weed control calls for more effective natural
alternatives.
[0004] Corn gluten meal (CGM) possesses natural preemergence weed
control properties that have long been known to provide broad
spectrum control of weeds in turfgrass and other crops. See, for
example, Bingaman, B. R. and N. E. Christians, 30 Hort Science
1256-59 (1995), Christians, U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,268, Christians, 7
Ind. Turf. Soc. Res. J. 284-90 (1993), and Nonnecke, G. R. and N.
E. Christians, 348 Acta Horticulturae 315-20 (1993). As a byproduct
of the corn wet-milling process, CGM is often used as a feed
additive for animals. The nontoxic nature of CGM has led the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to declare CGM exempt from
the regulations to which synthetic pesticides must adhere. 40
C.F.R. .sctn.152.25(g); see also Environmental Protection Agency,
Corn Gluten; Proposed Exemption From the Requirement of a Pesticide
Tolerance, 62 Fed. Reg. 60660 (Nov. 12, 1997).
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention is generally directed to a composition
that may be used as a natural herbicide for the control of weeds.
Given the increased demand for natural herbicides, increasing the
herbicidal activity of existing natural products such as CGM is of
great interest. The present disclosure provides a composition
comprising a substantially dry mixture comprising solid corn gluten
meal (CGM) and at least one substantially dry solid acid, such as
citric acid or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The
substantially dry mixture exhibits increased herbicidal activity
over CGM alone, while being relatively inexpensive to prepare
compared to methods comprising acidifying aqueous suspensions or
streams of CGM followed by drying the acidified CGM.
[0006] In one example, the present invention is directed to a
composition comprising a substantially dry mixture of a
substantially dry corn gluten meal, and a substantially dry solid
acid, wherein the amount of the substantially dry solid acid is
effective to enhance the pre-emergence herbicidal activity of the
substantially dry corn gluten meal.
[0007] In another example, the present invention is directed to a
composition comprising a substantially dry mixture of a
substantially dry corn gluten meal, and a substantially dry solid
citric acid, wherein the amount of the substantially dry solid
citric acid is effective to enhance the pre-emergence herbicidal
activity of the substantially dry corn gluten meal.
[0008] In another example, the present invention is directed to a
method comprising mixing a substantially dry corn gluten meal with
a substantially dry solid acid to form a substantially dry mixture,
wherein the amount of the substantially dry solid acid in the
substantially dry mixture is effective to enhance the pre-emergence
herbicidal activity of the substantially dry corn gluten meal.
[0009] In another example, the present invention is directed to a
kit comprising separately packaged substantially dry corn gluten
meal and substantially dry solid acid, and instructions for
applying the substantially dry corn gluten meal and the
substantially dry solid acid to a plot of soil so that the amount
of the substantially dry solid acid applied to the plot of soil is
effective to enhance the pre-emergence herbicidal activity of the
substantially dry corn gluten meal.
[0010] In another example, the present invention is directed to a
method for selectively inhibiting the growth of undesirable plants,
the method comprising, prior to the emergence of the undesirable
plants in a plot of soil, applying a substantially dry corn gluten
meal and a substantially dry solid acid to the plot of soil so that
the amount of the substantially dry solid acid applied to the plot
of soil is effective to enhance the pre-emergence herbicidal
activity of the substantially dry corn gluten meal, wherein the
substantially dry corn gluten meal and the substantially dry acid
are applied in an amount effective to inhibit the growth of the
undesirable plants, while not adversely affective the growth of
desirable plants.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a graph showing perennial ryegrass seedling counts
after germination while exposing the soil holding the seedlings to
about 97.6 g/m.sup.2 (about 20 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2) of substantially
dry mixtures of substantially dry 78% protein corn gluten meal
(CGM) and substantially dry ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
at 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% weight EDTA/weight CGM, as well
as a first control with no CGM or EDTA applied and a second control
with 0% EDTA (100% CGM).
[0012] FIG. 2 is a graph showing perennial ryegrass seedling counts
after germination while exposing the soil holding the seedlings to
substantially dry mixtures of substantially dry 78% protein CGM and
substantially dry EDTA at 2%, 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% weight
EDTA/weight CGM, as well as a first control with no CGM or EDTA
applied and a second control with 0% EDTA (100% CGM). Each of these
mixtures were applied at about 24.4 g/m.sup.2 (about 5 lbs./1000
ft.sup.2), about 48.8 g/m.sup.2 (about 10 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2), 73.2
g/m.sup.2 (about 15 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2), and about 97.6 g/m.sup.2
(about 20 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2).
[0013] FIG. 3 is a graph showing perennial ryegrass seedling counts
after germination while exposing the soil holding the seedlings to
substantially dry mixtures of substantially dry 60% protein CGM and
various substantially dry acids at about 73.2 g/m.sup.2 (about 15
lbs./1000 ft.sup.2). Mixtures of 60% protein CGM and substantially
dry particles o EDTA, L-ascorbic acid, citric acid, and ammonium
sulfate ((NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4) were investigated at 0.25%,
0.5%, 0.75% and 1% weight dry acid/weight CGM, along with a first
control with no CGM or acid applied and a second control with 0%
dry acid (100% CGM).
[0014] FIG. 4 is a graph showing perennial ryegrass seedling counts
after germination while exposing the soil holding the seedlings to
substantially dry mixtures of 78% protein CGM and various
substantially dry acids at about 73.2 g/m.sup.2 (about 15 lbs./1000
ft.sup.2). Mixtures of 78% protein CGM and substantially dry
particles of EDTA, L-ascorbic acid, citric acid, and ammonium
sulfate ((NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4) were investigated at of 0.25%,
0.5%, 0.75% and 1% weight dry acid/weight CGM, along with a first
control with no CGM or acid applied and a second control that was
0% dry acid (100% CGM).
[0015] FIG. 5 is a graph showing perennial ryegrass seedling counts
after germination while exposing the soil holding the seedlings to
substantially dry mixtures of 60% protein CGM and substantially dry
citric acid applied at about 73.2 g/m.sup.2 (about 15 lbs./1000
ft.sup.2) at 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% weight citric acid/weight
CGM, along with a first control with no CGM or citric acid applied
and a second control that was 0% citric acid (100% CGM).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present disclosure is directed generally to a
composition that may be used as a natural herbicide, e.g., as a
pre-emergence herbicide, for the control of undesirable plants,
such as weeds in a stand of one or more desirable plants. Given the
increased demand for natural herbicides, increasing the herbicidal
activity of existing natural herbicides such as corn gluten meal
(CGM) is of great interest. It has been found that treating an
aqueous suspension of corn gluten protein with an aqueous acid
followed by drying the aqueous suspension to form a CGM with a
reduced pH can increase the herbicidal activity of the CGM as an
herbicide over non-treated CGM. See Christians, U.S. application
Ser. No. 12/762,863, filed on Apr. 19, 2010, published as U.S.
Publication 2010/0267562 on Oct. 21, 2010, the entire disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference as if reproduced herein.
However, the procedure described in U.S. Publication 2010/0267562
for acidifying and then drying an aqueous suspension of corn gluten
protein is difficult and expensive.
[0017] The present disclosure relates generally to a composition
comprising substantially dry, solid CGM and a substantially dry,
solid acid, wherein the substantially dry acid is applied in an
amount that is sufficient to improve the herbicidal activity of the
CGM. As used herein, the phrase "sufficient to improve the
herbicidal activity of the CGM," or "effective in improving the
herbicidal activity," or "an effective amount of the substantially
dry acid," refers to the substantially dry acid having a noticeable
effect, and in some examples a statistically significant effect, on
the herbicidal activity of the CGM, e.g., the ability of the CGM to
act as a pre-emergence herbicide, beyond the activity of the CGM
used alone (e.g., the CGM without the addition of acid).
[0018] In some examples, an effective amount of the substantially
dry acid may occur when the weight of the acid is from about 0.01%
to about 1% of the weight of the CGM. In some examples, a
substantially dry mixture of the CGM and substantially dry acid is
formed such that the amount of dry acid in the mixture is
sufficient to improve the activity of the CGM as an herbicide,
e.g., wherein the weight of the dry acid is from about 0.01% to
about 0.5% of the weight of the CGM.
[0019] The composition of the present disclosure comprising
substantially dry CGM and substantially dry acid possesses
increased herbicidal activity over CGM alone, while being
relatively inexpensive to make compared to methods comprising
acidifying an aqueous suspension of CGM and then drying the
acidified CGM. It has been found that a substantially dry
composition of CGM and a substantially dry acid such as
substantially dry citric acid applied to a plot of soil provides
for improved herbicidal activity that is comparable to, or even
superior to, the activity that is seen by acidifying an aqueous
suspension of CGM with an aqueous acid, and then drying the
suspension, as in Christians, U.S. Publication 2010/0267562.
[0020] The present disclosure is also directed generally to a
method of making a natural herbicide, the method comprising mixing
a substantially dry CGM and at least one substantially dry acid to
form a substantially dry mixture, wherein the amount of the dry
acid is effective to enhancing the herbicidal activity of CGM,
e.g., wherein the weight of the dry acid is from about 0.01% to
about 1% of the weight of the CGM. The present invention provides a
composition formed by this method. The present invention also
provides a kit comprising separately packaged substantially dry
CGM, at least one substantially dry acid, and instructions for
applying the substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid
to a plot of soil in order to inhibit the growth of undesirable
plants. The present invention further provides a method for
selectively inhibiting the growth of undesirable plants in a stand
of desirable plants in a plot of soil comprising applying a
substantially dry corn gluten meal and a substantially dry acid to
a plot of soil prior to emergence of undesirable plants.
[0021] As used herein, the term "substantially dry" means that the
component in question (e.g., substantially dry CGM, substantially
dry acid, substantially dry mixture) is primarily comprised of
solid particles with an amount of moisture (e.g., water) that is
less than the amount of moisture that would be needed to form an
aqueous solution including the component in question and/or with a
moisture content that is less than the amount of moisture that
would result in sticking or conglomeration of particles of the
solid component. In one example, the substantially dry composition
of the present invention is made up of flowable solid granules or
particles.
[0022] In some examples, in the case of CGM having a protein
concentration of from about 50% protein to about 80% protein (dry
basis), the CGM may be considered "substantially dry" if it has a
moisture content of less than or equal to about 15% weight,
moisture/weight CGM, such as less than or equal to about 12% weight
moisture/weight CGM, for example less than or equal to about 10%
weight moisture/weight CGM. In some examples, in the case of dry
acid, such as citric acid or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
(EDTA), the acid may be considered "substantially dry" if it has a
moisture content of less than or equal to about 15% weight
moisture/weight acid, such as less than or equal to about 12%
weight moisture/weight acid, for example less than or equal to
about 10% weight moisture/weight acid. In some examples where the
acid is citric acid, citric acid monohydrate may be used, which is
up to about 10% weight water/weight acid, or anhydrous citric acid
may be used, which is 0.5% weight water/weigh acid or less. In some
examples, in the case of a mixture of CGM and a dry acid, the
mixture may be considered "substantially dry" if it has a moisture
content of less than or equal to about 15% weight moisture/weight
mixture, such as less than or equal to about 12% weight
moisture/weight mixture, for example less than or equal to about
10% weight moisture/weight mixture.
[0023] As described in Christians, U.S. Pat. No 5,030,268 and
Christians, U.S. Publication 2010/0267562, corn gluten meal (CGM)
has a natural herbicidal activity when applied to soil before the
emergence of undesirable plants, such as weeds, e.g., it may be
used as a "preemergence herbicide." CGM is commercially available
as a by-product of corn milling (for example, it is commercially
available from many sources including Grain Processing Corporation
of Muscatine, Iowa). Wet milling corn can comprise separating the
corn into corn starch, corn oil, defatted corn germ, corn hulls,
corn steep liquor, and corn gluten (the protein fraction). Corn
gluten is typically separated from the starch stream by
centrifugation to yield thick, yellow slurry of corn gluten
containing from about 15% and about 20% solids.
[0024] In some cases, CGM is made by drying the liquid gluten
slurry, such as by filtering and drying the separated corn gluten
slurry to produce solid, substantially dry corn gluten meal. In
some examples, the resulting corn gluten meal may be from about 68%
and about 80% protein, which may be diluted down to a desired
protein level, such as about 60% protein (on a dry basis). The
dried CGM may be packaged and sold as an animal feed product. Corn
gluten meal is quite insoluble in water and is typically composed
of protein (60-80%, dry basis) carbohydrate (20-25%, dry basis),
fat (3-5%, dry basis) and ash (3-5%, dry basis).
[0025] The substantially dry CGM that may be used to form an
herbicide composition according to the present disclosure may
comprise from about 50% protein (dry basis) to about 80% protein
(dry basis), for example from about 60% to about 78%, such as about
60%, about 68%, about 70%, or about 78% protein. The CGM, however,
can include higher and lower protein concentrations, e.g., about
45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about
80%, about 85%. CGM with higher protein percentages (e.g., above
60%) also have a significant nitrogen content to provide enhanced
activity of the CGM such that the CGM may also act as a fertilizer
source of slow-release nitrogen (N).
[0026] In one example, the substantially dry CGM comprises
substantially dry, solid particles of CGM. The particles of corn
gluten meal may be mixed or dry blended, e.g., with a tumble mixer
or ribbon blender, with particles of substantially dry acid to form
a substantially dry mixture of CGM and acid or the corn gluten meal
can be applied to soil separately from the substantially dry acid
particles. In one example, particles of CGM may have a particle
size (e.g., a size of the largest linear dimension) of less than
about 3 mm, for example less than about 2.5 mm, such as less than
about 2 mm, for example less than about 1 mm. In some examples, the
CGM may be from a fine powdered size, around about 0.1 mm to about
0.125 mm or less, up to about 2.5 mm. In one example, the particles
of CGM and the particles of dry acid may be mixed and reduced in
size at substantially the same time using a grinder that both
reduces particle size and mixes or blends the CGM and acid
together.
[0027] The substantially dry acid that may be used to form an
herbicide composition according to the present disclosure may
comprise any solid or particulate acid that can be readily combined
with solid, substantially dry CGM, e.g., by solid blending
techniques, in an amount that is effective to increase the activity
of the CGM as an herbicide. In some examples, the substantially dry
acid comprises an acid that, like CGM, is generally recognized as
safe, e.g., for human consumption, or that is exempt from
regulations to which synthetic pesticides generally must adhere,
such as the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, such as citric acid. In one example, the
substantially dry acid comprises at least one of substantially dry
citric acid, substantially dry ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
(EDTA), substantially dry L-ascorbic acid, or substantially dry
ammonium sulfate ([NH.sub.4.sup.+].sub.2[SO.sub.4.sup.2-]), or
combinations thereof. In one example, citric acid, such as citric
acid monohydrate, is used as the substantially dry acid.
[0028] In one example, the substantially dry acid comprises
substantially dry, solid particles of acid. The particles of
substantially dry acid can be mixed or dry blended with particles
of substantially dry to form a substantially dry mixture of CGM and
acid. Alternatively, the acid can be applied to soil separately
from the substantially dry CGM particles. In one example, particles
of acid may have a particle size (e.g., a size of the largest
linear dimension) of less than about 3 mm, for example less than
about 2.5 mm, such as less than about 2 mm, for example less than
about 1 mm. In some examples, the acid may be from a fine powdered
size, e.g., around about 0.1 mm to about 0.125 mm or less, up to
about 2.5 mm.
[0029] The substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid are
applied to a plot of soil in order to keep undesirable plants, such
as weeds from emerging. The weight of the substantially dry acid
applied to the soil is an amount that is effective in enhancing the
herbicidal activity of the CGM as an herbicide over that of CGM
alone.
[0030] The weight that may be considered an effective amount for
enhancing the herbicidal activity of the CGM may depend on the type
of substantially dry acid used, the protein concentration of the
CGM used, and the application rate (e.g., g/m.sup.2) of the CGM and
the acid to the soil.
[0031] For example, as shown in the Examples below, if EDTA is used
as the substantially dry acid with a CGM that is about 78% protein
and wherein the CGM and EDTA combined are applied at about 73.2
g/m.sup.2 (about 15 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2), an effective amount of the
EDTA may be a weight of from about 0.5% to about 4% of the weight
of the CGM, such as from about 1% to about 3% of the weight of the
CGM.
[0032] In another example where citric acid is used as the
substantially dry acid with a CGM that is about 60% protein and
wherein the CGM and citric acid combined are applied at about 73.2
g/m.sup.2 (about 15 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2), an effective amount of the
citric acid may be a weight of from about 0.01% to about 0.5% of
the weight of the CGM, such as from about 0.1% to about 0.3% of the
CGM weight, for example about 0.25% of the CGM weight.
[0033] In yet another example where L-ascorbic acid is used as the
substantially dry acid with a CGM that is about 60% protein and
wherein the CGM and L-ascorbic acid combined are applied at about
73.2 g/m.sup.2 (about 15 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2), an effective amount
of the L-ascorbic acid may be a weight from about 0.1% to about
0.75% of weight of the CGM, such as from about 0.25% to about 0.5%
of the CGM weight.
[0034] In still another example where ammonium sulfate is used as
the substantially dry acid with a CGM that is about 60% protein and
wherein the CGM and citric acid combined are applied at about 73.2
g/m.sup.2 (about 15 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2), an effective amount of the
ammonium sulfate may be a weight from about 0.5% to about 1% of the
weight of the CGM, such about 0.75% of the CGM weight.
[0035] In one example, the substantially dry CGM and the
substantially dry acid are applied to a plot of soil substantially
at the same time, e.g., with particles of CGM and particles being
applied substantially concurrently. In another example, the
substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid may be applied
separately to the soil, so long as the CGM and acid are applied
proximate enough in time so that the acid will enhance the
herbicidal activity of the CGM.
[0036] In another example, the particles of substantially dry CGM
may be dry mixed or dry blended with the particles of substantially
dry acid to form a substantially dry mixture having an amount of
the substantially dry acid that is effective in enhancing the
herbicidal activity of the CGM. This substantially dry mixture may
then be applied to the soil. Mixing the substantially dry CGM and
the substantially dry acid to form a substantially dry mixture may
advantageously allow for greater control of the relative amount of
the acid to the amount of the CGM as well as providing for more
uniform dispersion of the CGM and the acid that is applied to the
soil.
[0037] In one example, the substantially dry mixture is
substantially homogeneous throughout so that the concentration of
the substantially dry CGM particles and the substantially dry acid
particles is substantially uniform throughout the mixture. Mixing
of the substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid may be
performed by a manufacturer or supplier, or the mixing of the
substantially dry CGM and substantially thy acid may be performed
by an end user, such as a customer, homeowner, lawn or turf
maintenance worker, farmer, and the like.
[0038] As noted above, the composition comprising substantially dry
CGM and substantially dry acid may be provided to an end user, such
as a customer, homeowner, gardener, farmer, turf or grass
maintenance worker, etc., as a mixture that is premixed so that the
weight of the substantially dry acid as a percentage of the CGM
weight is sufficient to enhance the herbicidal activity of the CGM.
However, the substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid
may also be provided to the end user in the form of a kit
comprising the substantially dry CGM packaged separately from the
substantially dry acid, e.g., in separate containers, bags, boxes,
etc. The kit may further comprise instructions for the end user for
mixing and/or applying the substantially dry CGM and the
substantially dry acid to a plot of soil in a ratio so that the
weight percent of the substantially dry acid applied to the soil is
sufficient to enhance the herbicidal activity of the substantially
dry CGM.
[0039] In one example, the kit may comprise a predetermined weight
of the substantially dry CGM and a predetermined weight of the
substantially dry acid, wherein each predetermined weight is
selected so that, when the entire predetermined weight of both the
substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid are applied to
the soil, the combination of the substantially dry CGM and the
substantially dry acid will have a weight of the substantially dry
acid that is sufficient to enhance the herbicidal activity of the
CGM, such as a weight of the substantially dry acid from about
0.01% to about 1% of the weight of the CGM. In such a kit, the end
user need not be asked to measure precise amounts of the
substantially dry CGM or the substantially dry acid, but rather
merely needs to apply, and if desired mix, the entirety of each of
the components provided. In some examples, the predetermined weight
of the substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid in a
particular kit may also be selected for a predetermined area of
soil, such as 1 m.sup.2, 10 ft.sup.2, 1 acre, etc., so that the end
user does not need to measure or weigh precise amounts of the CGM,
acid, or mixture (if desired), but rather merely acquires the
number of kits that are necessary for the specific soil area that
is desired to be treated.
[0040] The instructions may instruct the user to apply the
substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid to the plot of
soil separately, substantially concurrently, or as a mixture. The
instructions may further instruct the end user to apply the
substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid so that the
weight of the substantially dry acid is from about 0.01% to about
1% of the weight of the CGM.
[0041] The instructions may further instruct the end user to mix
the substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid in an
amount that is sufficient to enhance the herbicidal activity of the
CGM, e.g., a weight of the substantially dry acid that is from
about 0.01% to about 1% of the weight of the CGM, prior to applying
the substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid to the
plot of soil. The instructions may also instruct the end user to
apply the substantially dry CGM and the substantially dry acid at
an application rate of from about 5 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2 (about 24
g/m.sup.2) to about 40 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2 (about 195.2 g/m.sup.2),
such as about 48.8 g/m.sup.2 (about 10 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2), about
73.2 g/m.sup.2 (about 15 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2), or about 97.6
g/m.sup.2 (about 20 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2).
[0042] As described above, in some examples the substantially dry
CGM and/or the substantially dry acid may be in the form of
particles. In one example, the substantially dry CGM and the
substantially dry acid may be subjected to grinding or granulation
to reduce the size of larger particles down to a desired particle
size, less than about 3 mm, for example less than about 2.5 mm,
such as less than about 2 mm, for example less than about 1 mm. In
some examples, the particles may be from a fine powdered size,
e.g., around about 0.1 mm to about 0.125 mm or less, up to about
2.5 mm. In one example, the substantially dry CGM and the
substantially dry acid are mixed or blended together to form a
substantially dry mixture, as described above, followed by grinding
the substantially dry mixture. In one example, the substantially
dry acid has an average particle size that is smaller than an
average particle size of the CGM so that the substantially dry acid
will provide for substantial coverage of the particles of CGM. In
one example, the CGM has a particle size of about 1 mm to about 2.5
mm, while the substantially dry acid has a smaller, powder-like
particle size, e.g., about 0.1 mm to about 0.15 mm.
[0043] The composition of the substantially dry CGM and the
substantially dry acid may be applied to a soil in order to prevent
or reduce emergence of undesirable plants, such as grassy weeds or
broadleaf weeds in a plot comprising established desirable plants.
While applicant does not wish to be bound by any theory, it is
believed that the CGM/acid composition, when applied to a soil
plot, inhibits root development of undesirable plants or "weeds"
around the time of germination. As a result, as soon as the plant
begins to grow, it will undergo root stress and die. Thus, while
the corn gluten meal does not prohibit germination, it nevertheless
does not allow the root structure to develop sufficient that the
undesirable plant can grow to a healthy plant. As a result, the
undesirable plant dies from the lack of root growth.
[0044] The dry product can be applied by the use of conventional
spreaders or dusters used for solid fertilizers or herbicides and
can be applied as a dust, pellets, granules and the like. The
amount of corn gluten meal and acid that is applied to soil,
referred to herein as the application rate, can vary over a wide
range, which may depend on many factors including the type of
undesirable plant, the type of soil, the type of desirable plants,
the protein content of the CGM, the type of substantially dry acid,
the weight of acid (e.g., as a percent of the CGM weight), etc.
[0045] Application rate is generally described as the mass of the
CGM and the acid applied per area of soil, such as in grams per
square meter (g/m.sup.2), or as is traditional in American farming,
pounds per 1000 square feet (lbs./1000 ft.sup.2). For example, the
corn gluten meal and acid of the present disclosure can be applied
at a rate of from about 0.3 grams/m.sup.2 (about 0.06 lbs./1000
ft.sup.2) to about 1000 g/m.sup.2 (about 205 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2) of
soil area, such as at a rate of from about 25 g/m.sup.2 (about 5.1
lbs./1000 ft.sup.2) to about 400 g/m.sup.2 (about 82 lbs./1000
ft.sup.2) of soil area, for example from about 40 g/m.sup.2 (about
8.2 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2) to about 100 g/m.sup.2 (about 20.5 lbs.
1000 ft.sup.2), such as about 48.8 g/m.sup.2 (about 10 lbs./1000
ft.sup.2), about 73.2 g/m.sup.2 (about 15 lbs./1000 ft), and about
97.6 g/m.sup.2 (about 20 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2).
[0046] The composition can be simply surface-applied, or it can be
mixed into the upper layer of the soil following application. As
used herein "soil" or "plot of soil" is intended broadly cover
volumes of solid plant support material such as the mixture of
organic and inorganic materials conventionally referred to as
"soil," as well as synthetic soils (or "soilless soils") and other
solid supports such as beds of pebbles, sand, moss and the like.
The solid plant support material may be potted, or otherwise
contained, or may be a preselected portion of the ground.
[0047] The composition of the substantially dry CGM and the
substantially dry acid is effective to prevent the emergence of a
wide variety of undesirable plants, including broadleaf weeds, such
as smartweed, velvetleaf, redroot, pigweed, lambsquarters,
latchweed, bedstraw, black medic, buckhorn plantain, annual
purslane, black and nightshade; and grassy weeds such as crabgrass,
annual bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, barnyard grass, orchard
grass, woolly cupgrass, foxtails, shattercane, Kentucky bluegrass,
Bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue.
[0048] The corn gluten meal and acid can be used as a preemergence
herbicide for application to established plots of desirable plants,
including both monocotyledonous plants and dicotyledonous plants.
Monocotyledonous crops include grains, such as corn, sorghum, rice,
oats, wheat, rye, millet, turfgrasses and the like. Dicotyledonous
crops include fruits, fibers, herbs, vegetables, ornamental flowers
and foliage, legumes, berry plants such as strawberries,
blueberries and raspberries, soybeans, potatoes, spinach,
cauliflower, tomatoes, tobacco, beans, beets, cotton, peas, squash,
melons, canola and the like.
[0049] As recognized by those skilled in the art, preemergence
herbicides are generally applied after the emergence or rooting of
the desirable plants, but prior to weed emergence. The timing of
application will vary, depending upon the specific crop production
system, the area of the country in which the CGM and acid is
applied and the weed species involved. For example, in general, for
areas of the upper Midwest, application is desirable prior to May
1st of any growing season, for control of crabgrass. An appropriate
time for application of the CGM and acid composition of the present
disclosure may be readily determined by a person of skill in the
art.
[0050] Following planting or establishing of desirable plants in
the plot and application of the substantially dry CGM and
substantially dry acid to the soil, additional amounts of CGM,
either alone or in combination with more acid, can be applied as
needed, to prevent the growth of undesirable plants while not
inhibiting the growth of the desirable plants, or otherwise harming
them.
EXAMPLES
[0051] The following examples are provided in order to demonstrate
and further illustrate certain embodiments and aspects of the
present disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the
scope thereof.
Example 1
[0052] A substantially dry corn gluten meal (CGM) having a protein
concentration of about 78% protein was mixed with substantially dry
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The CGM and EDTA mixture
was ground in a mortal with a pestle so that particles of the CGM
and EDTA reached a desired particle size. The ground mixture was
allowed to remain at room temperature for 7 days before the study
was initiated.
[0053] The test samples included the 78% protein CGM with a weight
of EDTA of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of the CGM weigh. A CGM
control sample with 0% EDTA (e.g., 100% CGM) was also prepared.
[0054] The materials were applied to the surface of the pots at a.
rate equivalent to the standard commercial rate of about 20 pounds
product per 1000 ft.sup.2 of surface area (about 97.6 g/m.sup.2).
The material was applied to the surface of 16 in.sup.2 (about 0.01
m.sup.2) pots filled with field soil and seeded with 0.25 g
perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) seed/pot (equivalent to about
24 g seed/m.sup.2 soil or about 5 lbs seed/1000 ft.sup.2 soil). A
control pot with no CGM applied was also seeded.
[0055] The pots were then watered on a mist bench in a greenhouse
and the seed was allowed to germinate. After germination, watering
was ceased and the surface of the soil was allowed to dry. The
number of surviving perennial ryegrass plants in each pot was then
counted. The results of the study of Example 1 are shown in FIG.
1.
[0056] While several of the CGM and EDTA mixtures showed a
numerical reduction in test plant survival over the application of
CGM alone, e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, 6%, 8%. and 10%, most notably 2%, none
of the mixtures showed a statistically significant reduction. While
not wishing to be bound to any theory, it was theorized by the
applicant that the 20 lbs/1000 ft.sup.2 (about 97.6 g/m.sup.2)
application rate of the mixture comprising 78% protein CGM and EDTA
may have been too high.
Example 2
[0057] In order to test the theory from Example 1 that the
application rate of 20 lbs/1000 ft.sup.2 (about 97.6 g/m.sup.2) for
the mixture comprising 78% protein CGM and EDTA was too high, the
same mixtures of substantially dry CGM having a protein
concentration of 78% protein and substantially dry EDTA from
Example 1 were prepared (e.g., at a EDTA weight of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%,
4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of the weight of the CGM. Studies of each EDTA
concentration along with the CGM control was conducted on 16
in.sup.2 (about 0.01 m.sup.2) pots filled and seeded in the same
manner as in Example 1 at application rates of about 5 lbs./1000
ft.sup.2 (about 24.4 g/m.sup.2), about 10 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2 (about
48.8 g/m.sup.2), about 15 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2 (about 73.2
g/m.sup.2), and about 20 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2 (about 97.6 g/m.sup.2).
The resulting perennial ryegrass plant survival counts of these
studies are shown in FIG. 2.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the 5 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2 and 10
lbs./1000 ft.sup.2 application rates did not provide for
statistically significant control over plant emergence compared to
the CGM control, and also did not appear to provide for
satisfactory prevention of emergence over the control (e.g., no
CGM). However, the 15 lbs/1000 ft.sup.2 application rate provided
for a statistically significant improvement of herbicidal activity
over the CGM control at the 1% and 3% EDTA concentrations.
Example 3
[0059] In this example, other solid acids were investigated. A
first batch of mixtures of a substantially dry CGM having a protein
concentration of 60% protein with various amounts of EDTA,
L-ascorbic acid, citric acid, and ammonium sulfate
((NH.sub.4).sub.2SO.sub.4) were prepared. A second batch of
mixtures of a substantially dry CGM having a protein concentration
of 78% protein with various amounts of EDTA, L-ascorbic acid,
citric acid, and ammonium sulfate ((NH.sub.4)2SO4) were also
prepared. Acid weights of 0% (CGM control), 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and
1% acid of the weight of the CGM were prepared.
[0060] Each mixture was applied to 16 in.sup.2 (about 0.01 m.sup.2)
pots filled and seeded in the same manner as in Example 1 at an
application rate of about 15 lbs./1000 ft.sup.2 (about 73.2
g/m.sup.2). The results of the first batch of mixtures (e.g., with
60% protein CGM) is shown in FIG. 3. The results of the second
batch of mixtures (e.g., with 78% protein CGM) is shown in FIG.
4.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, L-ascorbic acid demonstrated a
statistically significant improvement of the herbicidal activity of
the 60% protein CGM at weights of 0.25% and 0.5% of the CGM weight,
citric acid demonstrated a statistically significant improvement of
the herbicidal activity at the 0.25% weight, and ammonium sulfate
improved activity at the 0.75% weight. As shown in FIG. 4, there
were no statistically significant effects from any of the acids on
the 78% protein CGM. However, there was a problem with watering in
the study of the 78% protein CGM which may have affected the
results.
Example 4
[0062] A more focused study on citric acid was conducted. A
substantially dry CGM having a protein concentration of 60% protein
was mixed with a substantially dry citric acid monohydrate with the
citric acid having a weight of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% of the
weight of the CGM. A control of no CGM and no acid and a CGM
control of 100% CGM having 60% protein (0% citric acid) were also
used.
[0063] Each sample of CGM or CGM/acid was ground in a mortar with a
pestle and was then allowed to remain at room temperature for 7
days. The materials were applied to the surface of the pots at a
rate equivalent to a standard commercial rate of about 15 pounds
product per 1000 ft.sup.2 of soil area (about 73.2 g/m.sup.2). The
material was applied to the surface of 16 in.sup.2 (about 0.01
m.sup.2 ) pots filled with field soil and seeded with 0.25 g
perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) seed/pot (equivalent to about
24 g seed/m.sup.2 of soil or about 5 lbs seed/1000 ft.sup.2 of
soil). A control pot with no CGM applied was also seeded. Table 1
shows the actual weight of citric acid and CGM applied per pot.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 % Acid # Treatment (% w/w CGM) Acid (g) CGM
(g) 1 Control -- 0 0 2 CGM no acid -- 0 0.75 3 CGM + Citric 0.25
0.001875 0.75 4 CGM + Citric 0.50 0.00375 0.75 5 CGM + Citric 0.75
0.005625 0.75 6 CGM + Citric 1.00 0.0075 0.75
[0064] Each treatment was conducted in four replications, with each
pot being watered on a mist bench in a greenhouse and the seed was
allowed to germinate. Watering was then ceased and the surface of
the soil was allowed to dry. The number of surviving perennial
ryegrass plants in each pot was then counted. FIG. 5 shows the
resulting average ryegrass plant count for each treatment.
[0065] An average of 147 live ryegrass plants remained in the
untreated (Control) pots. The application of the CGM control (no
acid) reduced the emergence of ryegrass plants by about 27% to an
average of 107 plants. The addition of citric acid with a weight of
0.25% of the CGM weight resulted in a 68% reduction in emergence of
perennial ryegrass plants aver the untreated control (from an
average 147 plants for the control to an average of 46 plants for
the 0.25% citric acid mixture), which was statistically
significant.
[0066] The 0.25% citric acid mixture also resulted in a 57%
reduction in the emergence of perennial ryegrass plants over the
CGM control with no acid (from an average of 107 plants to an
average of 46 plants for the 0.25% citric acid mixture). The 0.5%,
0.75%, and 1% citric acid mixtures also reduced the ryegrass plant
eiriergence over the control (by 39.5%, 43%, and 38% respectively)
and over the CGM control (by 7%, 21.5%, and 15% respectively).
However, the reduction in tyegrass plant emergence for the 0.5%,
0.75%, and 1% citric acid mixtures was not statistically
significant over the survival rate for CGM alone.
[0067] To better illustrate the compositions, kits, and methods
disclosed herein, a non-limiting list of example Embodiments is
provided herein:
[0068] Embodiment 1 can include subject matter (such as an
apparatus, a device, a method, or one or more means for performing
acts), such as can include a composition. The subject matter can
comprise a substantially dry mixture of substantially dry corn
gluten meal and substantially dry solid acid, wherein the amount of
the substantially dry solid acid is effective to enhance the
pre-emergence herbicidal activity of the substantially dry corn
gluten meal.
[0069] Embodiment 2 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of Embodiment 1, to optionally include the
substantially dry solid acid having a weight of from about 0.01% to
about 1% of the weight of the substantially dry corn gluten
meal.
[0070] Embodiment 3 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1 or 2,
to optionally include the substantially dry solid acid comprising
at least one of citric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid,
L-ascorbic acid, and ammonium sulfate.
[0071] Embodiment 4 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-3, to
optionally include the corn gluten meal comprising from about 50%
protein to about 80% protein on a dry basis.
[0072] Embodiment 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-4, to
include subject matter (such as an apparatus, a composition, a kit,
a device, a method, or one or more means for performing acts), such
as can include a composition. The subject matter can include a
substantially dry mixture of substantially dry corn gluten meal and
substantially dry solid citric acid, wherein the amount of the
substantially dry solid citric acid is effective to enhance the
pre-emergence herbicidal activity of the substantially dry corn
gluten meal.
[0073] Embodiment 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-5, to
optionally include the substantially dry solid citric acid having a
weight of from about 0.01% to about 0.5 % of a weight of the
substantially dry corn gluten meal.
[0074] Embodiment 7 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-6, to
optionally include the substantially dry solid citric acid having a
weight of about 0.25% of a weight of the corn gluten meal.
[0075] Embodiment 8 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-7, to
optionally include the substantially dry citric acid comprising at
least one of citric acid monohydrate or anhydrous citric acid.
[0076] Embodiment 9 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-8, to
optionally include the substantially dry citric acid consisting of
at least one of citric acid monohydrate or anhydrous citric
acid.
[0077] Embodiment 10 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-9, to optionally include the substantially dry citric acid
consisting essentially of at least one of citric acid monohydrate
or anhydrous citric acid.
[0078] Embodiment 11 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-10 to optionally include the corn gluten meal comprising from
about 50% protein to about 80% protein on a dry basis.
[0079] Embodiment 12 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-11, to include subject matter (such as an apparatus, a
composition, a kit, a device, a method, or one or more means for
performing acts), such as can include a method. The subject matter
can include mixing a substantially dry corn gluten meal with a
substantially dry solid acid to form a substantially dry mixture,
wherein the amount of the substantially dry solid acid in the
substantially dry mixture is effective to enhance the pre-emergence
herbicidal activity of the substantially dry corn gluten meal.
[0080] Embodiment 13 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-12, to optionally include the substantially dry solid acid having
a weight of from about 0.01% to about 1% of a weight of the
substantially dry corn gluten meal.
[0081] Embodiment 14 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-13, to optionally include grinding the corn gluten meal and the
dry acid so that each have an average particle size of less than
about 3 mm.
[0082] Embodiment 15 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-14, to optionally include the substantially dry solid acid
comprising at least one of citric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic
acid, L-ascorbic acid, or ammonium sulfate.
[0083] Embodiment 16 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-15, to optionally include the corn gluten meal comprising from
about 50% protein to about 80% protein on a dry basis.
[0084] Embodiment 17 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-16, to optionally include applying the substantially dry mixture
to a plot of soil prior to emergence of undesirable plants in an
amount of the mixture effective to inhibit growth of the
undesirable plants.
[0085] Embodiment 18 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-17, to optionally include the plot of soil comprising desirable
plants.
[0086] Embodiment 19 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-18, to optionally include transplanting desirable plants into the
plot of soil.
[0087] Embodiment 20 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-19, to optionally include the substantially dry mixture being
applied to the plot of soil after transplanting the desirable
plants into the plot of soil.
[0088] Embodiment 22 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-20, to optionally include the amount of the substantially dr
mixture that is added to the plot of soil being from about 5 pounds
to about 40 pounds per 1000 square feet.
[0089] Embodiment 22 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-21, to optionally include the amount of the substantially dry
mixture that is added to the plot of soil being about 15 pounds per
1000 square feet of the soil.
[0090] Embodiment 23 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-22, to include subject matter (such as an apparatus, a
composition, a kit, a device, a method, or one or more means for
performing acts), such as can include a kit. The subject matter can
include, separately packaged, a substantially dry corn gluten meal,
a substantially dry solid acid, and instructions for applying the
substantially dry corn gluten meal and the substantially dry acid
to a plot of soil so that the amount of the substantially dry solid
acid applied to the plot of soil is effective to enhance the
pre-emergence herbicidal activity of the substantially dry corn
gluten meal.
[0091] Embodiment 24 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-23, to optionally include the substantially dry corn gluten meal
having a predetermined weight and the substantially dry solid acid
having a predetermined weight, wherein the predetermined weight of
the substantially dry corn gluten meal and the predetermined weight
of the substantially dry acid are selected so a mixture of the
predetermined weight of the substantially dry solid acid to the
predetermined weight of the substantially dry corn gluten meal is
effective to the re-emergence herbicidal activity of the
substantially dry corn gluten meal.
[0092] Embodiment 25 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-24, to optionally include the instructions further comprising an
instruction to apply the substantially dry corn gluten meal and the
substantially dry solid acid to the plot of soil so that the
substantially dry solid acid applied to the plot of soil has a
weight of from about 0.01% to about 1% of a weight of the corn
gluten meal applied to the plot of soil.
[0093] Embodiment 26 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-24, to optionally include the instructions further comprising an
instruction to mix the substantially dry corn gluten meal with the
substantially dry solid acid to form a substantially dry mixture so
that the amount of the substantially dry solid acid in the mixture
is effective to enhance the pre-emergence herbicidal activity of
the substantially dry corn gluten meal.
[0094] Embodiment 27 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-26, to optionally include the instruction to mix the
substantially dry corn gluten meal with the substantially dry solid
acid comprising an instruction to form the substantially dry
mixture so that the substantially dry solid acid has a weight from
about 0.01% to about 1% of a weight of the corn gluten meal.
[0095] Embodiment 28 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-27, to optionally include the instructions to mix the
substantially dry corn gluten meal with the substantially dry solid
acid instructing mixing the substantially dry corn gluten meal with
the substantially dry solid acid before applying the substantially
dry corn gluten meal and the substantially dry solid acid to the
plot of soil.
[0096] Embodiment 29 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-28, to optionally include the instructions comprising an
instruction to apply the substantially dry corn gluten meal to the
plot of soil separately from applying the substantially dry solid
acid to the plot of soil.
[0097] Embodiment 30 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-28, to optionally include the instructions comprising an
instruction to apply a combined amount of the substantially dry
corn gluten meal and the substantially dry solid acid of from about
5 pounds to about 40 pounds per 1000 square feet of the soil.
[0098] Embodiment 31 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-30, to optionally include the substantially dry solid acid
comprising at least one of citric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic
acid, L-ascorbic acid, or ammonium sulfate.
[0099] Embodiment 32 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-31, to optionally include the corn gluten meal comprising from
about 50% protein about 80% protein on a dry basis.
[0100] Embodiment 33 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-32, to include subject matter (such as an apparatus, a
composition, a kit, a device, a method, or one or more means for
performing acts), such as can include a method for selectively
inhibiting the growth of undesirable plants. The subject matter can
include applying a substantially dry corn gluten meal and a
substantially dry solid acid to the plot of soil prior to the
emergence of the undesirable plants in a plot of soil so that the
amount of the substantially dry solid acid applied to the plot of
soil is effective to enhance the pre-emergence herbicidal activity
of the substantially dry corn gluten meal, wherein the
substantially dry corn gluten meal and the substantially dry acid
are applied in an amount effective to inhibit the growth of the
undesirable plants.
[0101] Embodiment 34 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-33, to optionally include the substantially dry solid acid
applied to the plot of soil having a weight of from about 0.01% to
about 1% of a weight of the corn gluten meal.
[0102] Embodiment 35 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-34, to optionally include the substantially dry corn gluten meal
and the substantially dry solid acid being applied in an amount
effective to inhibit root development of the undesirable
plants.
[0103] Embodiment 36 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-35, to optionally include the plot of soil comprising one or more
desirable plants.
[0104] Embodiment 37 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-36, to optionally include transplanting one or more desirable
plants into the plot of the soil.
[0105] Embodiment 38 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-37, to optionally include the desirable plants comprising at
least one of monocotyledonous plants, turfgrasses, dicotyledonous
plants, berry plants, or ornamental flowers.
[0106] Embodiment 39 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-38, to optionally include the undesirable plants being grassy
weeds or broadleaf weeds.
[0107] Embodiment 40 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-39, to optionally include mixing the substantially dry corn
gluten meal with the substantially dry solid acid to form a
substantially dry mixture prior to applying the substantially dry
corn gluten meal and the substantially thy solid acid to the plot
of soil so that the amount of the substantially dry solid acid in
the mixture is effective to enhance the pre-emergence herbicidal
activity of the substantially dr corn gluten meal.
[0108] Embodiment 41 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-40, to optionally include the substantially dry solid acid in the
mixture having a weight of from about 0.01% to about 1% of a weight
of the corn gluten meal.
[0109] Embodiment 42 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-41, to optionally include the substantially dry corn gluten meal
and the substantially dry solid acid being applied separately to
the plot of soil.
[0110] Embodiment 43 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of
Embodiments1-42, to optionally include the substantially dry corn
gluten meal and the substantially dry solid acid being applied
substantially concurrently to the plot of soil.
[0111] Embodiment 44 can include, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments
1-43, to optionally include the combined amount of the
substantially dry corn gluten meal and the substantially dry solid
acid applied to the plot of soil being from about 5 pounds to about
40 pounds per 1000 square feet of soil.
[0112] The above detailed description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These
embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples" or
"embodiments." Such examples or embodiments can include elements in
addition to those shown or described. However, the present
inventors also contemplate examples or embodiments in which only
those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the
present inventors contemplate examples or embodiments using any
combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or
one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular
example or embodiment (or one or more aspects thereof), or with
respect to other examples or embodiments (or one or more aspects
thereof) shown or described herein.
[0113] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this
document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and
"wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and
"comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article,
kit, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in
addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still
deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the
following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc.
are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects.
[0114] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one
or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each
other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Also,
various features or elements can be grouped together to streamline
the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an
unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather,
inventive subject matter can lie in less than all features of a
particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are
hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim
standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the
invention should be determined with reference to the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled.
[0115] All publications, patents and patent applications are
incorporated herein by reference. While in the foregoing
specification the disclosure has been described in relation to
certain examples, and many details have been set forth for purposes
of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and
that certain of the details described herein may be varied
considerably without departing from the basic principles of the
disclosure.
* * * * *